Copy of LUPHSA Newsletter(5)

SUMMER JOURNAL 2017| ISSUE NO. 1

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY PUBLIC HEALTH
STUDENT ASSOCIATION

PREVENT. PROMOTE. PROTECT.

PAGE #  |  ISSUE 01

GOD

LUPHSA

COMMUNITY STUDENTS

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY PUBLIC HEALTH
STUDENT ASSOCIATION

The purpose of the Liberty University Public Health Student
Association (LUPHSA) is to promote health, wellness, and
disease prevention within the community, convey
awareness of career and academic matters related to public
health, and foster Christ-like relationships among students
and faculty for the growth and sustainability of the Liberty
University Public & Community Health program.

          We offer various opportunities to be involved in the
community at Liberty specifically for those wanting to
pursue a career in Public Health. Our members participate
in health fairs, outreach, research, conferences, and plenty
more. Most importantly, through our organization, our
members are able to make friends that can accompany
them along their journey!

From the President

It is indeed a pleasure to welcome you all to the Liberty University Public Health Student
Association (LUPHSA)  inaugural Journal. As the 2016-2017 Academic year comes to an end, I would
like to extend a warm thank you to all who made this great year possible.   I’m especially proud of
the officers who stepped up, had no idea of what they were getting themselves into and yet gave it

all they had. Every sponsored event was a success, thanks to our member support, and I can only
give thanks and praises to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for continued guidance.

In this banner year of LUPSHA, we focus on four core areas for strategic growth and development.
These areas are 1) Fundraising to gain support and increase awareness for what we are passionate

about, Public health. 2) health fairs to engage communities in building  bridges to a healthier
society. 3) professional development through student-faculty research, guest speakers who shared
experience in the field and networking opportunities. 4) social events to allow us to create a bond
of shared prosperity. These four areas were integral in making an impact on the Liberty University
Campus, engaging students' passion for  Public Health and most importantly making an impact

within the community.

My hope is that as you read students' recount of the year, it will come alive and you will be inspired
to see how you can make an impact in your communities; wherever you are, we would like to hear

about it. Lastly but certainly not least, it was an honor and privilege to have served as your
president, and I do envision continued growth and success of this association within the

Department of Public and Community Health.

- Edson Erwin, MPH

FUNDRAISERS HEALTH PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL
FAIRS DEVELOPMENT EVENTS

From the Editor

2O16-2O17 Edson Erwin,
LUPHSA President
LEADERSHIP
Guimy Castor,
Vice-President

Jacquline Mshamma, Evarista Ogbon, Itza Prieto,
Treasurer Secretary Event Coordinator

Jacquline Mshamma, Birhane Teklwold, Sarafina Cooper,
Graduate Representative Graduate Representative Graduate Representative

Kristy Gonzalez, Marson Tare, Candy Hernandez,
Undergraduate Undergraduate Undergraduate
 Representative Representative Representative

LUPHSA JOURNAL

PAGE 01 | ISSUE 01

CONTENTS

O2 Global Fete Gala

O6 "This is Public Health": National Public

Health Week

O7 Mixteco Outreach

15 LUPHSA Research

21 2O17-2O18 Leadership Inauguration

03 [Insert text]
04
05 [Insert text]
06
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
16
17
18
19
20
22
23
24

The first inaugural gala globfeatle
was a great success in
collaboration with the
Virginia Department of
Health, Lynchburg Parks
& Recreations and Nueva

Amanecer TRBC.

Working with these
organizations will further

help LUPHSA reach its
goal to promote health,

wellness, and disease
prevention withing the

community.

PAGE 02 | ISSUE 01

The evening of fun with
live performances and
music from Vhuthuhawe
and the Acoustic Fusion.

dinner, and award
presentations.

JACKET

Held at the elegant STYLE / 41
Handcock Welcome

Center at Liberty
University, the event was
sold out to over seventy

guest in attendance.

PAGE 03 | ISSUE 01



CASA LATINA: ANNUAL PATHWAYS IN

HISPANIC HEALTH FAIR PUBLIC HEALTH
On Saturday, April 29th LUPHSA was presented with the
opportunity to partner with Casa Latina in Roanoke, Virginia to GENERAL MEETING
help provide health information and resources to the local LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA
Hispanic community. More specifically, LUPHSA set up and
volunteered at three booths that focused on oral health, nutrition, The most common question asked
physical exercise/BMI, and prevention of chronic diseases. At the about public health is what kind of
oral health table individuals were informed about the importance jobs are available in the field. Brittani
of oral hygiene and were presented with photographs of various Thomas, 2014 Public Health Associate
oral and gum diseases that result from poor oral hygiene. for the Centers for Disease Control
At this table, community members were also able to take home and Prevention(CDC), spoke about
floss, toothpaste, and toothbrushes to encourage better oral pathways in public health and the
hygiene. Items on other tables included handheld BMI machines, PHAP program during LUPHSA’s
portable blood pressure machines, nutrient dense versus nutrient monthly meeting on November, 2016.
poor meal cards, and visual diagrams regarding exercises and
chronic disease. Through this opportunity, students were able to The Public Health Associate Program
practice public health measures by teaching on disease (PHAP) trains recent bachelor's, or
prevention and engaging the Hispanic community with an open master's entry-level professionals
heart and mind. LUPHSA would be delighted to continue serving with an interest in public health.
local and neighboring communities in the future! Throughout the two-year training
program, PHAP associates gain
BY KRISTY GONZALEZ hands-on experience that serve as a
foundation for their future public
PAGE 05 | ISSUE 01 health careers.

Jobs that could also be explored in
public health area are public health
law, research, clinical trials to develop
protocols and standards. Some of the
jobs she’s had with her master’s in
public health are career training
programs, surveillance of HIV/Syphilis
cases working with the CDC to fund
sponsors.

Some of the important skills Thomas
mentioned for maximizing job
opportunities were utilizing available
resources and maintaining
relationships. In addition, other
significant skills areas for public
health are grant writing, conference
attendance, and working on capstone
project thesis with possibility of
publication. 

BY BIRHANE TEKLEWOLD

"THIS IS PUBLIC HEALTH"

NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY, LYNCHBURG,VA

Each year the American Public Health Association (APHA) organizes
National Public Health Week during the first week of April. The week
is to recognize the contribution of public health, and also determine
issues to improve the health of the nation. During this week, Liberty
University Public Health Student Association (LUPHSA) alongside
Liberty University's Department of Public & Community Health
organized events on Liberty’s campus. This event was organized to
create awareness about public health among students on campus.
This event incorporated both fun and educational element. There
were health related questions prepared for students to answer and
win prizes.

Students who stopped by the station were given basic information
about what public health is and how it is integrated in their daily life.
Students also participated in push up contest and hula hoop
challenges. Portable body fat analyzer was available for those who
wanted their BMI and body fat percentage calculated.  Students
were able to receive information about how to keep their BMI in the
normal range. "This Is Public Health" stickers were used to raise
awareness about how public health affects individuals in their daily
lives. Stickers were provided to students to post on items they think
are related to public health. The challenge was to take photos of
public health efforts and issues and share it on social media. This is
found to be powerful tool to increase awareness about public health
efforts.

WRITTEN BY BIRHANE TEKLEWOLD

MIXTECO HEALTH

OUTREACH
KINGSLAND BAPTIST CHURCH
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

One of the goals of Liberty University Public Health Student
Association (LUPHSA) is to promote health, wellness and
disease prevention with the community all while sharing the
love of Jesus Christ. Last year, LUPHSA was presented with a
great health outreach opportunity to do just that! Initiated by
Daniela Ortega in partnership with Nuevo Amanecer TRBC
Spanish Campus Church and Iglesia Bautista Conexión,
LUPHSA was able to serve an indigenous community in
Richmond, Virginia called the Mixtecos. With an informal
survey assessment and health screenings, it was found that
the individuals served experienced high blood pressure, high
body mass index (BMI) measurements, lack of family
planning services, and lack of access to medical insurance
and health care.

With the leadership and planning of Itza Prieto, this year, on
December 10, 2016, LUPHSA members had the opportunity
to return to Richmond and host a second health fair and
screening event at Kingsland Baptist Church for the local
Mixteco community. With the help of online donations and a
fundraiser lead by Victoria Ramos, the team hosted medical
insurance information, cholesterol, BMI and glucose
screenings, a nutrition, physical activity and dental hygiene
workshop, maternal health information and basic physicals
from licensed medical doctors.

With the approval of the Institutional Review Board (IRB), a
survey was distributed and data collected on those attending
the health fair to understand the health needs and problems
of the community. The information collected will be used to
research future project and community action plans so that
LUPHSA may continue to help the Mixteco community
towards better health and overall well-being.

WRITTEN BY SARAFINA COOPER

PAGE 07 | ISSUE 01

LIVE HEALTHY

LIBERTY EXPO

WRITTEN BY SARAFINA COOPER

 At Liberty University’s annual Live
Healthy Liberty Expo, LUPHSA
members, and leadership joined
various other campus departments,
local health and wellness
organizations, and vendors as part of a
campus-wide initiative to promote
health education, resources, and
opportunities. The event targeted
campus students, faculty, and staff, by
providing on-site health screenings
and health, wellness, and fitness
activities. LUPHSA hosted four health
information booths for the event.

Members, Guimy Castor, Hedrick
Chung, Sarafina Cooper and Thais
Jardim, researched and prepared an
original poster for Zika virus disease,
highlighting real-time data and
updates on the emerging disease. In
addition, the team created an original
poster for oral health and prepared set
ups for breast and testicular cancer for
areas of women and men’s health. The
Live Healthy Liberty Expo was a great
opportunity for LUPHSA graduate and
undergraduate members to volunteer
their time, and create relationships
with the campus community through
outreach that promoted health,
wellness and disease prevention. 

LUPHSA NEWSLETTER OPERATION

PAGE 09 | ISSUE 01 CHRISTMAS CHILD

WRITTEN BY SARAFINA COOPER

With the help of Liberty
University’s Operation
Christmas Child Club, LUPHSA
members and leadership were
able to demonstrate God’s love
to needy children around the
world. Thirteen shoe boxes
were filled with school supplies,
hygiene items, clothing
accessories, toys, and a few
encouraging notes. Through
Samaritan’s Purse, hundreds of
thousands of shoe boxes will be
collected, distributed, and used
as resources for evangelical
outreach and to fulfill the
physical needs of families, and
children worldwide.

LEDO PIZZA Victoria Ramos, not only on January 31st,
but once previously in Fall 2016 as well. Her
FUNDRAISER dedication, along with the support of
LUPHSA members and community
LUPHSA started off the New Year right with a members, lead to two successful
fundraising event at Ledo’s Pizza! This fundraising fundraising turnouts; LUPHSA received
event among members, friends, and faculty not 20% of all sales from this establishment
only served as a way to raise money for the between the hours of 5:00-9:00pm during
mission of LUPHSA, but as a way to practically be each event day. But most importantly, it is
the hands and feet of Christ through our the desire of LUPHSA to be able to serve
interactions with the community.  The Ledo’s the community better through future
Pizza fundraiser was carefully planned and public health outreaches with the money
executed by LUPHSA’s fundraising coordinator, that we raise during these fundraising
The Ledo’s Pizza fundraiser was carefully planned events. We look forward to what this
and executed by LUPHSA’s fundraising semester has in store!
coordinator,
WRITTEN BY KRISTY GONZALEZ

MEET & GREET
HOLLINS MILL PARK

LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA

On September 24th, 2016 LUPHSA students met at Hollins Mill Park for the first meet
and greet under new leadership. Through the meet and greet it was the hope of the
leadership to get to know the students and spend time with them in a relaxed
environment. During the event, students brought different dishes to share and
enjoyed different activities. Such as playing a game suggested by Victoria Brown,
where two teams with different colored balloons were tied to their feet as the
opposing team tried to pop the opposing team member’s balloon. Other activities
included the phone game Heads up, like charades, in which a person guesses while
the others act out or give clues to the student guessing. All in all, it was a great
occasion to meet new people and make new friendships.

WRITTEN BY ITZA PRIETO

PAGE 10 | ISSUE 01

“I've seen how there is so much need in every "I chose public health because I’m passionate about
area of health and would love to work in a prevention. I see too many people suffering and
career that helps better the health of people dying from preventable diseases, that’s what really
all around the world, especially in called me.”
developing regions."
--Naomi Sainval, Haiti
--Shelby Todd, Chesapeake, VA

"I want to gain greater insight on how to assist the community and help others
understand how vital public health is, not only in our community, but also to the

world. My overall career goal is to become a dietician. I chose this goal because
while growing up I saw many of my family members, and friends pass away due to
various chronic diseases. I want to be able to help others understand how vital it is

to keep your body as a temple for Christ, and that we are an image of Him, and
because of this we have to make sure to keep our image in His likeness.”

--Travontae Lewis, Goldsboro, NC

“Public health has always been intriguing to me because it is the science and art of preventing disease,
prolonging life and promoting human health through organized efforts and informed choices of
society, organization, public and private, communities and individuals. My ultimate goal is to become a
public health physician, and to use the tools learned in my master's program to encourage disease
prevention for my patients and within a community. My hope is to make an impact in the community
that I serve in so that healthier lifestyles can be made for people.”

--Dominique Richburg, " I wanted to study for a MPH so I can learn health
   Severn, Maryland prevention and help people stay out of the hospital.
Whether it was from health issues related to
"I chose to study Public Health smoking in the house, or eating unhealthy diets, I
because I grew up around family have seen the effects of poor health decisions.”
members with diabetes and high
blood pressure and a grandma --Randy Green, Delaware
who has many ailments including
Alzheimer's. I became interested "I was a Pre-Med major, but along the way of studying, I have
in how these things could be realized that it is much better to prevent diseases especially
prevented and how one can chronic diseases. The field of medicine only treats one patient at a
achieve a high quality of life. I time; public health on the other hand can improve a population’s
hope to help individuals, families, health status. It can also reduce an individual’s hospital visits
and communities reach their tremendously. Therefore, I decided to change my major to Public
highest potential in health and Health. The idea that, in the future, the overall health of my
wellness spiritually, physically,
emotionally, and mentally.” community will be impacted by my efforts makes me very
excited and proud. I hope more students can be attracted to the
--Bethany Williams,
   Lindale, Texas field of public health. This would enable more people to work
together and improve the overall health nationally and globally.”

--Ru Jia, China

“I started undergrad as a nursing student then realize I wanted to prevent diseases from happening rather
than just treating them. I choose public health because my grandmother had lung cancer and I saw what
health factors lead up to that diagnosis, I wanted to prevent others from getting lung cancer. I became
interested in why people do such things and how we as health professionals can get them to change their
health habits for the better. I hope to help individuals, other families, and communities reach their full
potential."
--Stephanie Mias, Wilmington, Delaware

MEDICAL

RESERVE CORPS

2ND GENERAL MEETING
LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA

On March 8th, we had the SENIOR COMMUNITY
pleasure of hosting Mr. Adam 
LaChappelle from the Virginia
Reserve Medical Corps. It was an
amazing meeting, in which we
got to learn about what the
Medical Reserve Corps is all
about.

Now, the VMRC is an OUTREACH
organization made up of YODER CENTER
volunteers who want to be ready LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA
and help the community in case
of an emergency. The volunteers           With thousands of people WRITTEN BY VICTORIA BROWN
get an opportunity for proper suffering with diabetes in
training in whichever branch Lynchburg, LUPHSA aims to keep  through diet and exercise and how
they are interested in. One of the individuals educated, and fight their families can avoid the
aspects that is very interesting against it. The outreach event at the condition if possible. After each
about the VMRC is their Yoder Center  educated the local presentation, seniors were given a
flexibility. The volunteers get to older adult community about chance to ask questions. In
choose their time of availability hypertension and diabetes. addition, screening booths were
when it comes to training, and According to the American Heart provided to check blood glucose,
emergency services. Association people with diabetes blood pressure, nutrition
are “two to four times more likely to information profile, and Body Mass
The LUPHSA members showed develop cardiovascular disease Index (BMI) of participants.
great interest in the organization, than people without diabetes."
and eighteen members The seniors could record their
registered to volunteer. It was a The audience present were twenty information, and talk to the
movement, and we could not do seniors, mostly women, and a few members about their results.  One
it without Mr. Adam men.  LUPHSA raised awareness of of the seniors even asked for
LaChappelle. We thank him  for the link between type II diabetes LUPHSA to come back again. It was
taking time from his busy and heart disease and encouraged a great opportunity to hear the
schedule and travel from North seniors with type II diabetes to voice of the elderly community, and
Carolina to come and talk to us. know their heart disease risk and to educate them on how to live
Also, a big thanks goes to Mr. speak to their healthcare provider. healthier lives. LUPHSA is thrilled to
Castor who thought it well for us Through education, awareness and encourage people to act, not only
to know about about such a best practices, individuals learned for themselves, but also for their
great opportunity. how to address their condition families.

WRITTEN BY NAOMI SAINVAL

PAGE 12 | ISSUE 01

JUBILEE In September Horizon Behavior Health partnered with several
community organizations and LUPHSA students to host a free
HEALTH FAIR health fair at the Jubilee Family Development Center. The fair
JUBILEE FAMILY provided free blood pressure, glucose, HIV, Hepatitis C, and
DEVELOPMENT CENTER Syphilis screenings. There were over two hundred attendees.
LYNCHBURG,VA There was free food, a moon bounce, face painting, and a raffle
for a flat screen TV. The fair provided health services to many
individuals who are without insurance. LUPHSA students
provided health education at the event and helped with the
greeting and managing the raffle. Overall, the event was a
success. Many individuals took advantage of the health
screenings and benefited from the local referrals to care.

WRITTEN BY BRITMARIE WITKOWSKI

CERTIFIED HEALTH EDUCATION SPECIALIST

(CHES) TEST PREP WORKSHOP

WRITTEN BY EDSON ERWIN

LUPSHA hosted two CHES workshop in the Fall and Spring of 2016-2017  to
prepare undergraduate and graduate students to sit the credential exam. Our
local community partners working in the field of public health were also invited
to this training opportunity. Thanks to Dr. James Florence and Dr. Annette
Florence, both  MCHES certificate for their continued support and dedication in
fostering students' development and community engagement.

PAGE 13 | ISSUE 01

COMMUNITY CLEAN UP
KROGER SHOPPING CENTER
FOREST,VA

On February 17, 2017, in an effort to
impact the local community, LUPHSA
members participated in a community
clean up event. Students attended to an
empty lot beside a Kroger Shopping
Center. Completed in partnership with
King of Kings Church, students and
church members met at the empty lot
at five o’clock in the evening. For
approximately one hour, volunteers
filled trash bags with garbage collected
from the field. Volunteers got down and
dirty, going deep into bushes to clean
up all the trash in sight. It was a
wonderful experience for volunteers to
witness how quickly and easily it is
possible to make an impact in the
community.

WRITTEN BY VICTORIA RAMOS

DR. FLORENCE

POTLUCK

On October 15th, 2016 LUPHSA students
gathered at the house of Dr. Florence for
fellowship, a potluck and activities in the lake.
This event was a great opportunity for
students to share with each other and with
professors. During the event, students shared
homemade dishes and enjoyed a warm day
kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boating. Also,
getting to know and enjoying the company
and conversation with professors.

WRITTEN BY ITZA PRIETO

LUPHSA RESEARCH GROUP

WRITTEN BY GUIMY CASTOR

The LUPHSA Research Group is a student-led organization designed to help students find
research opportunities and participate in research. LUPHSA Research will provide students with
the information needed to succeed in research. Research week is an annual showcase for
undergraduate and graduate student researchers to present their work to the university
community. This is an interdisciplinary event that showcases research and creative activities
from across campus. Hundreds of student researchers, including those from Public and
Community Health department, present their work as poster presentations or oral
presentations.

LUPHSA research first meeting was on October 19, 2016. The meeting was to find students who
were interested in doing research and how can LUPHSA assists students in their research.
 Undergraduate and graduate students learned about what doing research' actually means and
the benefits to produce papers that advance the field. All students were motivated to find an
advisor to supervise their research. Student/ group research teams worked with a research
advisor who directed them through the research process. The advisors guided students'
research: helping them to select a topic, write a research proposal, perform the research, and
evaluate it critically.

RESEARCH TOPICS THAT STUDENTS
HAVE WORKED ON THROUGHOUT THE
SEMESTER:
 
1. Mosquitoes and efforts to keep them
from biting. Involves product research on
horses and 2 trips to East Tennessee.
Advisor: Dr. James Florence
2. GI health among older subjects – focus
on Fiber, Fluids, Fitness, and Form of fecal
evacuation. Advisor: Dr. James Florence
3. Body Temple Theory. Does one’s belief
that the body is a temple of the Holy
Spirit have any effect on how one cares for
their body? Advisor: Dr. James Florence
4. If Christians are stewards of the
environment how can we better manage
the climate change issues? What are the
Controllable elements of climate change?
What is the return of investment for each?
Advisor: Dr. Richard Lane.

RESEARCH WEEK

POSTER SESSIONS
JERRY FALWELL LIBRARY
LU RESEARCH WEEK APRIL 10-14

Bethany Fox, Oswald Attin, Shiloh Reeves,
Olubunmi Obayemi & Ayodeji Ojo

"Addressing Risk of Influenza Infection
on a College Campus: An Emphasis on
Housing Arrangement"
Advisor: Dr. Oswald Attin

Victoria Ramos
"Critical Control Point Analysis in Zacapa,
Guatemala: Surveillance for Foodborne
Disease Outbreaks"
Advisor: Dr. Richard Lane

Olushola O. Ogunleye, Bethesda J. O'
Connell & Megan A. Quinn
"Pap Smear Utilization Survey through
Partnership of Academic, Professional
and Lay Health Workers"
Advisor: Dr. Bethesda J. O'Connell

32% Khristina Kanagy
"Breastfeeding Needs Assessment"
Advisor: Dr. Richard Lane

7%

Chung Hedrick 

"Brief Comparison of Health C1ar6e%

Qualities by Nation"
Presented at the Virginia Public Health
Association (VPHA) 

PAGE 16 | ISSUE 01

16%

RESEARCH WEEK

ORAL PRESENTATIONS
JERRY FALWELL LIBRARY
LU RESEARCH WEEK APRIL 10-14

Martha Mabiala & Olushola Ogunleye

"Accuracy of Self-Reported Weight
Compared to Measured BMI Among
Rural Middle School Students in
Michigan"
Advisor: Dr. Robyn Anderson

Nicolle Palicas, Guimy Castor, Olushola
Ogunleye, Kendra Smith, Jacinta Ejirefe &
Sonia Gwaneza

"Adequate Water Intake for Reduction of
Cardiovascular Risk"
Advisor: Dr. James Florence

Joshua T. Brennan, Ifeoluwa Ogbonnewo,

Olushola Olaitan Ogunleye & Candy

50 Hernandez

"The Standards for Water Quality Testing:

Protecting the Public from Another Flint

40 Water Crisis"
 **2017 1st Place Presentation Winners**

30 Kristina Kanagy, Victoria Ramos & Itza

Prieto

"Planning for the Future: A Basic Needs

20 Assessment of the Mixteco Population

Near Richmond, Virginia"

10

PAGE 17 | ISSUE 01

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ItemIte1m 1

Connect the Dots: The Purpose of Research in Public

Health Professional Preparation

As a child you may have created a picture by connecting dots on a page. What looked
at first like unrelated points soon turned into an airplane or a princess or a dinosaur.

Learning how to do public health research is a lot like connecting the dots on a page.
You follow a path, unknown at first, guided by an educated guess, or hypothesis, until

the solution begins to take shape. The path of discovery doesn’t always lead to the
expected, but to the trained mind it always contributes useful knowledge. The more
skilled you become at doing research—even the so-called mundane parts like writing a
literature review and creating instruments used for collecting data—the more easily

you can see the big picture of the world around you.

Liberty University’s MPH program is taking a lead role in helping students research the
social and healthcare needs of societies around the globe and to discover effective
interventions to meet those needs. The program has produced students recognized

for their ability to conduct award-winning research projects. Some of the projects were
born out of student interest in a topic and some were products of ongoing interest by

faculty. But there’s room for more.

We need more people prepared in public health research to identify determinates of
health, investigate causes of health disparities, discover effective solutions that honor

God and address human spiritual as well as social needs.

Will you learn to connect the dots in evidence-based public health research? If so,
contact a faculty member soon and ask how you can get involved.

Prepared by Dr. Jim Florence
Professor of Public Health

PAGE 18 | ISSUE 01

CCIH ADVOCACY DAY

WASHINGTON, D.C.
BY

          Public Health is the society’s collective effort to promote and protect the health of its
members. One of the ways we can do this is through advocacy by speaking up for those whose
voices are not being heard. Advocacy is important for anyone who is passionate about and wants to
invoke change regarding any issue. We got to advocate for global health, nutrition and food security
to members of Congress and the Senate on our recent trip to Washington D.C. We raised awareness
of the countries currently with the greatest need such as Syria, South Sudan and Nigeria. We asked
for a continuation of allocated funds for these countries as they prepare for the next fiscal year.
Advocacy is especially valuable to us as Christians because in Proverbs 31:8-9, the bible instructs us
to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, to fight for the rights of those who are
destitute, and to defend the rights of the poor and needy.
          As Christians, we understand how much God values human life, so it is expected that we
speak out regarding issues that are wasting valuable human lives such as malnutrition and famine.
It was a very enlightening experience because we go to interact with decision makers and look at
things from their point of view. We are thankful for Christian Connections for International Health
for making this experience possible.

BY IFEOLUWA OLUWAFADEKEMI

Health Advocacy

Visiting Capitol Hill to advocate for food security provided the access, the
platform to address a critical global need.  I first learned about advocacy 45

years ago while memorizing I John 2:1, “…we have an advocate with the
Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” I had read the passage before but
memorization promotes reflection. Jesus is the model for advocacy.

Over the last several decades I have worked among the poor and
underserved in many countries. I’ve sat in the small, dark, crowded homes

of families with limited food access and have seen firsthand the
consequences of chronic malnutrition on the children. Growth stunting,
disabilities, reduced resistance to infection, and death from malnutrition
are completely preventable. Every Christian has a responsibility to visit the
sick, clothe the naked, and feed the hungry. Sometimes this work involves

personal charity and sometimes it takes the form of advocacy. Never
underestimate the power of one.

Advocacy gives us an opportunity to educate and to multiply our impact in
a meaningful way. Action at a governmental level allows us to enhance
generosity and target a greater portion of the population. Helping as a

government reduces the disparity produced by the limits created when aid
relies on the individual. The unified voice of the Christian community
amplifies our collective desire to serve others. I strongly recommend

engaging in the chorus, speaking on behalf of the voiceless, and becoming
part of the process as an advocate.

Prepared by Dr. Richard Lane
Director of the Master of Public Health Program

PAGE 20 | ISSUE 01

LUPHSA LAST

At our third general body GENERAL BODY Winnie Rop (nutrition graduate
meeting April 12th, LUPHSA was representative), Martha Mabiala
honored to have guest speakers MEETING & (global health graduate
Nicole L. Beckwith and Douglas representative), Julianna
K Griffin who are HIV/STD Health LEADERSHIP Mshamma (health promotion
Equity Program Coordinators at graduate representative), Naomi
the North Carolina Department INAUGURATION Sainval (undergraduate
of Health and Human Services. representative), Shelby Todd
During the meeting, Ms. WRITTEN BY KRISTY GONZALEZ (undergraduate representative),
Beckwith and Mr. Griffin spoke and Haley Grimste
about various public health LUPHSA was also delighted to (undergraduate representative).
programs that they as present the new leadership
individuals have been involved team for the 2017-2018 school Victoria Ramos,
with such as with Project Direct, year during this final meeting of  President
Period for Purple Crying, and the semester. These new
CAPUS. The focus of their leadership members include
presentation was to emphasize Victoria Ramos (president), Gift
the limitless opportunities Ukaejiofor (vice president),
available in the field of Public Dominique Richburg (secretary),
Health as well as to discuss the Ifeoluwa Ogbonnewo
importance of becoming (treasurer),
cultural competent.

Dominique Richburg, Gift Ukaejiofor,
Secretary Vice President

Winnie Rop, Candy Hernandez,
Graduate Event Coordinator

Representative Juliana Mshama,
(Nutrition) Graduate

Martha Mabiala, Representative
Graduate (Health Promotion)

Representative Haley Grimste,
(Global Health) Undergraduate
Representative
Naomi Sainval,
Undergraduate Shelby Todd,
Representative Undergraduate
Representative
PAGE 22 | ISSUE 01

Importance of Cultural Competence and

Individual Biases Within Public Services

Ongoing evidence strongly suggests that the current or prevalent models
of health and social service provision, which largely reflect white, middle
class values, do not effectively meet the needs of ethnically and racially

diverse individuals and groups. Failure to properly address cultural
differences and our own cultural biases creates and maintains mistrust
and other potential conflicts and challenges between service providers
and their potential clients, further contributing to low quality of care and

poor health outcomes.

Therefore, by examining our own biases, cultural foundations and
experiences and how these impact the reactions and interactions with

other people; and, delivering culturally competent and culturally
responsive care and services remains a highly promising strategy and
approach to promoting and realizing positive health outcomes among
racially and ethnically diverse groups and leading ultimately to reducing

health disparities and health inequities.

However, despite having stated what the evidence suggests, the cultural
competence movement has been held back by a lack of strong research

linking its strategies to specific health and/or well-being outcomes. A
potential step to address this would-be lack of research is to look at the

cultural adaption process.

An initial step in the cultural adaptation process would be to determine
whether an existing evidence-based program, or specific service is

appropriate for a given group. Culturally competent staff attuned to the
unique needs of diverse groups of people and families may more readily

recognize the incompatibility between an existing program and
subsequent services and the cultural context of individuals and families

being served and thus help to determine whether a program is
appropriate as originally developed. This approach, or strategy, requires
adaptation, or at the very least, needs to be created specifically for those
diverse groups who are in need of the many health and well-being related

programs and services.

We must aggressively address those biases, attitudes, policies and
practices that are destructive to cultures, and the individuals who make

up those cultures

Prepared by Guimy Castor

LUPHSA Vice-President

Final Remarks

This year has been very rewarding. The LUPHSA officers
and members have truly surpassed expectations whether
it is in their involvement in community events such the
Mixteco Outreach Project, partnerships such as the
Virginia Department of Health Millions heart program
and various on and off campus activities such as public
health week and research symposium.
This year saw LUPHSA officers and members step out of
their comfort zones to truly grasp the concept of public
health. We hope to continue to build upon these
accomplishments next year. I am looking forward to
working with the new team and I can’t wait to see the
great work God will do in the community through them.

Dr. Oswald Attin
Professor of Public Health,

LUPHSA Faculty Advisor

PAGE 24 | ISSUE 01

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY PUBLIC HEALTH STUDENT
ASSOCIATION | SUMMER JOURNAL 2017 | ISSUE 1

editor in chief sarafina cooper
content director guimy castor

assistant editor santiago brister

contributing writers

on the cover

Explorer Sarah Anderson canoes over Lake
Ottawa at sunrise. We got an anonymous tip
that the best time to try this is in the wee
hours of the morning. Whoever told us this,
thank you.
Photograph by Mark Lattice